Throughout the 1990s, the design of the Washington Quarter underwent subtle yet noticeable changes, leading to the infamous “Spaghetti Hair” quarters. Starting around 1991, the U.S. Mint began modifying the portrait of George Washington, particularly the details of his hair. Originally, sculptor John Flanagan’s design featured a modest, realistic hair portrayal. However, as production adjustments were made, the hair became increasingly exaggerated and unrealistic. These changes, likely driven by production efficiency rather than artistic intent, resulted in the distinctive “Spaghetti Hair” look that collectors began to notice.
Former Chief Engraver John Mercanti once acknowledged the incident but refrained from naming those responsible. It is believed the Mint’s adjustments aimed to improve production efficiency by altering the concavity of the coin’s design.
1994-P Washington Quarter Mintage and Availability
In 1994, the Philadelphia Mint struck a total of 825,600,000 Washington Quarters, a significantly lower mintage than the Denver Mint’s output. These coins entered circulation rapidly within the first year of production. The 1994-P Washington Quarter was widely available, particularly in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, at most banks within the Philadelphia Mint’s service area.
The 1994 United States Mint Uncirculated Coin Set
The 1994-P Washington Quarter was also sold as part of the 1994 United States Mint Uncirculated Coin Set, which has been released annually since 1968. The set included all circulating coins produced at the Philadelphia and Denver mints, such as the 1994-P Kennedy Half Dollar, Roosevelt Dime, Jefferson Nickel, and Lincoln Cent. These sets are still readily available and typically sell for under $10.
The Value of the 1994-P Washington Quarter
As a collectible coin, the 1994-P Washington Quarter has remained in demand. Despite billions of these quarters being produced, it is not common to find them in change today. For collectors, one of the most effective ways to acquire a 1994-P is through coin roll hunting at local banks, where uncirculated examples can occasionally be found.
In 1994, the Mint sold over 1.2 million Mint Sets, which include coins in pristine uncirculated condition. These sets are generally priced at around $10. Individual 1994-P quarters in Gem Mint State or higher can be more expensive, with loose uncirculated coins typically priced between $1 and $2 each.
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Rare and Valuable 1994-P Washington Quarters
While most 1994-P quarters are valued at under $2, certain high-quality specimens can fetch much higher prices. The highest recorded sale for a 1994-P quarter was $8,156.25 in 2018 for a PCGS MS68-grade coin. However, when a second MS68 was sold in 2021, the price dropped significantly, suggesting that the rarity of this grade is diminishing. Coins graded MS67 or lower are generally priced under $150, and many MS66 examples are worth less than the cost of grading.
The 1994-P Washington Quarter is a notable example of how subtle design changes can affect a coin’s appearance and its collectibility. Whether you’re a casual collector or a serious numismatist, this coin’s unique history and varying degrees of rarity make it an interesting addition to any collection.
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